Kylian Mbappé’s fiery afternoon at the Mendizorrotza Stadium is now the talk of the town. In what should have been a routine La Liga clash for Real Madrid against Alavés, all the headlines are instead centered around one moment of recklessness that could cost Los Blancos dearly.
Real Madrid managed to edge past Alavés with a narrow 1-0 victory, thanks to Eduardo Camavinga’s decisive strike in the 34th minute. But the win was overshadowed by a troubling incident involving the club’s superstar forward, Kylian Mbappé. In the 37th minute, the Frenchman was shown a straight red card for a dangerous challenge on Antonio Blanco.
It was a moment that stunned both sets of fans and left even Mbappé’s teammates in disbelief. His studs-high tackle directly onto Blanco’s shin was not only careless but bordered on dangerous play. The referee initially seemed unsure, but after a VAR review, the decision was clear — a red card was brandished, and Mbappé was sent off without protest.
This act of indiscipline raises serious questions about the player’s availability for upcoming fixtures, most notably the Copa del Rey final against FC Barcelona later this month. According to the Spanish Football Federation’s disciplinary regulations, a direct red card typically incurs a two-match suspension.
If this standard punishment is upheld, Mbappé will miss Real Madrid’s next two La Liga matches against Athletic Bilbao and Getafe. However, he would still be eligible for the Copa final on April 26, unless the suspension is extended.
The critical point now is the nature of the incident and how the Competition Committee evaluates it. Should they deem the act as “serious misconduct,” the French forward could face a suspension of four matches or more — a ruling that would automatically apply across all domestic competitions, including the Copa del Rey.
Early reactions from refereeing experts provide some cautious optimism for Madrid fans. Eduardo Iturralde González, a former top-flight referee, told Cadena SER that while the foul was serious, it was not premeditated. “The ball was in play. It wasn’t an off-the-ball assault, and that usually influences the committee’s judgment,” he noted.
Another retired referee, Juan Andújar Oliver, echoed this sentiment on Onda Cero. “Yes, the tackle was violent, but the context is important. I would give him two matches, though a four-match ban wouldn’t be excessive either,” he admitted. The split opinion shows how delicate the matter is.
From Real Madrid’s side, no official appeal or comment has been made regarding the card or potential sanctions, although Davide Ancelotti addressed the issue in the post-match press conference. With head coach Carlo Ancelotti suspended, it was Davide who managed the team on the touchline and had to answer for the incident afterward.
“Kylian is not a violent person,” Davide said. “He reacted badly to persistent fouls. That doesn’t justify his tackle, but he apologized and understands the consequences. He knows he let the team down, but he’s not that kind of player.”
Indeed, Mbappé’s frustration was visible even before the incident. He was frequently fouled, targeted by Alavés defenders who knew they had to be physical to contain him. Unfortunately, that strategy appeared to get into his head.
It’s a worrying trend for Real Madrid. With the season reaching its climax — crucial La Liga games, a Champions League semifinal against Arsenal, and a Copa final on the horizon — losing their talisman even temporarily is a massive blow. The psychological impact of such a suspension could ripple through the squad.
Real Madrid has invested heavily in Mbappé, and his leadership on the pitch is vital. The idea of him missing the Copa final, especially against arch-rivals Barcelona, is unthinkable for many fans and club officials alike. That match could define Madrid’s domestic season.
As things stand, the club will wait for the Competition Committee’s verdict, expected within the next 48 hours. If a two-match suspension is confirmed, Madrid might consider it a relief. But any escalation would spark a wave of controversy and appeal procedures.
Beyond the legalities, this moment also calls into question Mbappé’s discipline and mental composure. As one of the most celebrated players in world football, his actions are always under a microscope. Incidents like this, however rare, have the potential to tarnish reputations.
Supporters online have already begun to split into camps — some defending Mbappé, citing the aggressive treatment he received, while others argue that elite players must remain calm under pressure. The debate has exploded across social media, trending under hashtags like #MbappeRed and #CopaDelReyFinal.
There is also pressure mounting from within the club to ensure that Mbappé bounces back quickly from this controversy. The coaching staff and sports psychologists are expected to work closely with him this week to channel his energy positively ahead of the Champions League clash.
Mbappé, who has already scored over 25 goals in all competitions this season, remains crucial to Madrid’s attacking setup. A misstep like this may be forgiven if followed by decisive performances in Europe and the cup final.
The next few days will be critical, both for Kylian Mbappé’s image and Real Madrid’s ambitions. Everyone in the Spanish capital is now anxiously awaiting the verdict that will determine whether the club’s star man can feature in one of the season’s most important fixtures.
As things unfold, one thing is clear: this red card could end up being either a mere blip or a defining moment in Real Madrid’s 2024/25 campaign.
